Original subtitles

And as representative of the host country, I'd like to compliment you all

accomplishments of this year's conference.

Your dedication, your cooperation, your willingness to work together have, I

think, made it one of the most successful ever and has vastly improved

unhappy lot of our various police forces.

So, may I take this last opportunity to thank you all and salute you.

Any other reward will undoubtedly have to come from heaven.

He always knows when to water down the people.

Last opportunity.

What did he mean?

He's retiring next month.

Meet the next chief superintendent of Scotland Yard. Well, congratulations.

Thanks, but sometimes I think condolences would be more in order. Oh,

I'll never forgive you, Colin. If you'd had the foresight to join the force

before I did...

The position would have been yours.

It's just as well that he didn't.

Unhappy lot is right.

Nobody appreciates us.

Not even ourselves.

Any minute now.

Thanks, but I'd better be getting back to the yard. One more won't hurt.

What, the chief's super -watching?

Well, after all, Rank has his privileges.

Next month, you can stay, and Colin will have to be running off to duty.

Yes. Well, goodbye, all.

See you at next year's conference, chief.

I'm looking forward to it already, chief.

No, no, Colin, don't bother. Thank you.

Chief. Yes, time for us to be leaving.

Won't you stay to dinner?

Yes, do. We haven't had an opportunity to talk over old times, Pop.

Sorry, but we have an 11 o 'clock plane to catch. We still have to pack.

Would you call us a cab? Well, Lonnie's going back to the yard. He could drop

you off.

See if I can catch him. Excuse me. Good idea.

Stay back. Please, everybody, stay back.

Superintendent Davis.

You never chance.

Dead? Yes.

You see the killer?

Clear, distinct, and convicted.

Good. I have a whole gallery of photographs for you to go through. Bob,

afraid I'll have to ask you to postpone your flight.

Gladly. You know who you're looking for?

Yes.

Very good, Sergeant.

My men will have an easy job with this. It doesn't look like anyone in your mug

files. Not even a close resemblance. There are new ones practically every

minute.

Paper here?

Ah, yes, put him through.

To Chief.

Good morning, Bob.

How's everything going?

Well, beyond the composite very slowly, I'm afraid, but we're only just

beginning. I just wanted to tell you I left our return reservations open. We

stay as long as you need.

Well, that's very good of you, Bob.

And, um, if there's anything I can do to help.

What, a postman's holiday?

Well, I don't mean to presume.

You won't be, believe me, Bob. I'd welcome any suggestions.

I'll be down to the yard in a little while.

All right, see you then.

Chief coming over?

Yes. I'm not surprised.

Yes, come.

We've picked up Rock, sir.

Well, that was easy. Get him in here, please.

Right, sir.

Right, all right. Mind is shut.

Good morning, Rock.

Is it?

I haven't had breakfast yet.

Well, I'm sorry to inconvenience you.

What's this about?

If you've got a charge, let's hear it.

I want to know where this man is.

You've no right to hold me.

I demand my immediate release.

Who is the man?

Now, how would I be knowing me?

Only in the country this past ten days.

You won't be here another ten days if you don't cooperate.

He's not one of ours, if that's what you're thinking.

And of course, that's exactly what you're thinking.

Or you wouldn't have brought me in under arrest.

This man killed a superintendent. If you or your group are involved... We save

our fighting for where it counts, back there.

Now book me or turn me loose.

liquor when he saw the composite.

Oh, there wouldn't be. They're beautifully disciplined, those chaps.

But I wanted him to know we're close on their heels. It should make for some

activity.

Surveillance?

Sergeant Mr. Rourke and his friends will not be able to take a bath without

being observed.

Favor here.

Right, don't touch a thing. We'll be right there.

Could be a break. The car's been found.

No. It could be the driver.

Dead since yesterday, I judge, sir.

Any identification?

No wallet.

I didn't look any farther. I didn't want to disturb anything.

Well, we'll take over.

Hello, sir.

He was shot, Bob. Close range.

In the back.

Still think the killer was a terrorist?

No reason not to. They usually kill their own people?

No, not usually.

The driver was one witness to Lon Davis' murder.

Ed was the other.

Colin, would it be possible to issue him a special gun permit?

I understand your concern, Bob, but there's no reason.

I'm sure we can look after him quite well.

But why would anyone want to kill poor Mr. Brandon?

We believe he was involved in a crime, Mrs. Nathan.

Mr. Brandon? Yes, I'm afraid so.

Well, the poor man, he... He was driven to it by bad economic conditions, I'll

tell you that.

He was unemployed?

Six months.

What sort of work did he do?

Well, he was a chauffeur for a car hire company.

Sure, no one hires cars anymore.

It's a changing world we live in. Sir?

Yes? I thought you might like to have a look at this.

Thank you, Ricardo.

That's all the poor man had left in his life, his stamp collection.

Quite a few have been removed.

Well, that's how he made his living the past six months, selling them off bit by

bit. Only two weeks ago he sold the best of them, the pretty ones with the big

airship on them.

Graf Zeppelin series?

I couldn't say, sir.

Sold the bigger denominations. And poor Mr.

Brand got barely enough to pay his back grocery bill. I suppose he was behind in

the rent, too.

Five months.

But he said he'd catch me up soon, he promised.

I don't care what he did, he was an honest man.

I believed him. Yes, of course. Did he say how he hoped to be able to catch up

with the rent?

A special job.

He was excited about it.

One of the stamp dealers was hiring him for it. Did he mention which stamp

dealer?

He didn't. Or what the job was?

No.

But he was excited about it. What I mean to say is he was excited about the

prospect of it.

But after the other gentleman came here... What other gentleman?

I have no idea, sir.

I don't pry into my tenant's business.

Could this have been him?

It does look a bit like him. Mr.

Brandon's feelings about the job changed after meeting with that man.

Yes, he seemed worried and upset.

But he did assure me the rent money.

Whatever the work was, he was determined to do it.

He was that grateful to me. And we are as well, Mrs. Nagle. You've been very

helpful. Thank you so much.

It's economic conditions.

Yes, to be sure.

There must be hundreds of stamp dealers in London. I have some photos of Brandon

run off. That may not be necessary, Colin. Stamp hinges.

Muller's Stamp Mart.

Well, that gives us a start, doesn't it? Sir!

Yes? We found this under a bundle of old clothes.

There must be at least 50 pounds here.

Enough to cover back rent?

More than enough, I'd say.

Then is it from the sale of stamps or a down payment for that special job?

Good questions.

I suggest we examine the stamp aspects first, don't you think, Bob? Yes.

A visit to Muller's would be in order, don't you agree?

Yes.

Definitely.

Mr. Muller?

Yes. Superintendent Faber, Scotland Yard.

What can I do for you, sir?

I understand you knew a chauffeur named Brandon.

Yes, I have done business with him.

Stamps? She sold me pieces of his collection every once in a while. How

you pay him?

A fair price.

His collection was not worth a great deal. Even the Graf Eplin theories, the

of the high denomination?

You know Stamps.

Enough to know that they were valuable.

I am a businessman. When a seller needs money... I look for a bargain. Of

course.

What did you pay?

You're interested in buying? Perhaps.

Then I would be foolish to tell you what I paid. In the end, you would be in a

very good position to bargain with me.

You're right.

May we see them?

I'm holding them for another customer.

But you won't mind showing them to us.

If you wish.

What's this all about, Bob? We already know Brandon sold the cells.

Why is he reluctant to show them to us?

Yeah.

You keep these locked away?

As you said, they are valuable.

They have an odd odor.

So?

Acetic acid.

You have a dark room back there, don't you?

Yes. When the shop is quiet, I amuse myself by making photocopies of the

All right.

How much?

I told you, sir, they are reserved for someone else.

Perhaps you can locate another set for me.

I will try, sir.

Is there any other way I can help you?

Not unless you can tell me anything else about Mr. Brandon.

Another stamp collector.

That's all.

Well, sorry to interrupt you.

Now, what was that all about?

He was involved up to his neck.

Money in Brandon's room smelled of a seedy cat. It was a lot more than he

have been paid for those tanks.

Well, I can't pull him in. It's too circumstantial. That's right. There's

one way to go now.

Yes, we'll forget Rourke.

24 hours surveillance on Muller.

And a full rundown on his background, associates, and activity.

You're making me take too many chances.

Perhaps you wanted me to telephone you directly.

Let the police enjoy our conversation.

How'd you know they're on to you? I'm being followed.

There were questions about Brandon.

It'll connect you with him soon enough.

He can't talk.

There's still that American policeman.

We must get rid of him.

Will that be enough?

I'll take care of the rest.

Call off the dogs.

It's too soon.

There is no alternative.

White or black, Bob?

Black, please.

You Americans have barbaric tastes.

Drink your coffee. Thank you.

But we found the owner of the cab, for all the good it does. He lent it to

someone for a fiver. Got it back in an hour.

That's interesting.

Yes, we showed him the composite, but he couldn't make any identification.

Couldn't or wouldn't? The latter, undoubtedly.

His thought usually shies away from any involvement with the police.

Still, we can safely assume that Muller deliberately eluded his tail.

Well, we're on him again. He's back at his flat.

Colin, you're letting your coffee get cold.

Thank you, Ellen.

Oh, dear.

Sorry.

I'm afraid the policeman's lot applies to their wives, too.

What number are you calling?

Yes, who is it you want?

I'm sorry Sergeant Brown couldn't join us. He's been working ever since we've

been here.

I gave him the night off for some sightseeing.

Soho.

Yes.

All right, I'll have one.

Be right back.

Well, something's come up. I shall have to desert you.

Oh, dear, you know how it is. But can't anyone else? Ellen, please.

A break in the Davis case?

No, no, something else we're working on.

Bob, I'm heading in the other direction. Do you mind if I don't take you back to

your hotel?

Of course not. I'll see you in the morning, then.

I'll try not to be late, dear.

Do you suppose it'll be any better when he becomes chief superintendent?

Inspector. Good morning, Sergeant.

Good morning. Have you found a connection between Rourke and Muller?

Muller checked out clean. We're not on him any longer.

Superintendent Faber wants to sweat Rourke.

If you'll excuse me.

Yes. Thanks.

Suite 718, please.

Yeah, Chief.

I think you better get down here to the yard right away.

Superintendent Faber has pulled a wild switch.

Yes, clean.

No criminal record or associations of any sort.

No attempts made to contact anyone.

What about Muller's actions with the cab and the acetic acid on the stamps and

the money? You agree that was circumstantial?

It's quite possible the money paid Brandon for the stamps was mixed in with

money for the job. That would account for the acid smell. That's reaching.

I'm satisfied with it.

I'm not.

All the information's in the phone.

Can't you take care of it? I'm having my lunch.

Thank you very much.

Feels like I'm back home, Inspector.

Lunch in one hand, the phone in the other. And somebody wanted you to grab a

broom. It never changes.

Now, is there anything else I can tell you about our methods?

Yes. Chain of command.

Communications. You know, how long it takes for orders to come down and be

on. Not that. Once the brass makes up its mind, of course.

Well, for example, take the case of Muller. How fast did you get a tail on

We had a man outside Muller's shop five minutes after Superintendent Faber gave

the order.

And to take it off?

Even less. I was on late duty last night. Got the order from the

myself. Got in touch with our man at Muller's home by radio.

That clearance on Muller certainly came through in a hurry. Well, it's computer,

Sergeant. It's all in the machines.

We don't run around with pipes and magnifying glasses anymore.

I wonder, would you mind trying one for me?

Just give me a name.

Can't think of anyone here in England.

Muller. Let's stick with him.

Muller it is.

McCartle here. I want a rundown on Klaus Muller.

Yes, I'll hold. You can read it to me.

Here, have some chips. They're the best in London.

Thank you.

Yes?

Oh.

All right.

Well, I'll be back to you.

We pulled a blank on that one. It's classified.

What does that mean?

Superintendent Favors put the lid on it.

And no one can see it without his permission.

How does that grab you?

Uncomfortably.

McArdle got his orders late.

I was with Colin and his wife last night. He didn't make any calls while

were there.

No, no, he left before I did. He got a call. It seemed to...

Is that a cause and effect?

It would be helpful to know, Ed.

Yes, come.

Well, I hope I'm not disturbing you.

No, no, not at all, not at all.

Just thought I'd tell you we're heading home.

Since you're working on the terrorist theory, Ed and I can't be of any more

help.

Yes, I understand.

I'm sorry I haven't been a better host.

You've had your hands full.

I thought my situation was bad.

But you put in some terrible hours, Colin.

I hope last night was worth it.

Last night?

You left like you were shot out of a cannon.

Oh, that.

Yes, yes.

Got a tip on another case.

Must have been pretty important.

As it turned out, no. It was a false lead.

Oh?

Why are you asking so many questions?

I didn't realize I was.

It takes a policeman to recognize another policeman's probing, doesn't it?

I'm not a policeman with you, Colin. I'm a friend.

Forgive me, forgive me.

Everything seems to be piling up, all my work and poor Lon.

I'm sorry, I just don't seem to be myself.

I can see that.

Anything? No.

But to use one of Mark's pet expressions, the vibes are bad.

Can't do much about them.

American badge doesn't go very far over there.

But American intelligence might.

Would you get me the American embassy, please?

Well, I sure hope this does the trick.

It'll take my kid at least a week to paste all those in.

One hinders them, Lieutenant.

One does not hate them.

Well, if it'll keep them quiet, I care if he thumbtacks them in.

Thank you.

I see you.

Registered with the Home Office as an Austrian alien.

Been in England about 20 years and never applied for British citizenship.

According to his first visa request, his hometown is Deegan.

But he spent most of his time in Vienna, in the British sector.

Now, we lifted this print from the package of stamps he sold.

And this one, when he was taken into custody in the American sector, a

Soviet agent.

No conviction.

Just a man.

You said no conviction.

We swapped him for two G .I .s who wandered into their sector. Interesting.

Colin Faber was stationed in Vienna as part of the British occupation force.

Same time as Muller? Yeah.

Can you get me Faber's fingerprints? We can forward them to Vienna, see if he

has a record. That's going to be pretty tough getting his prints without his

knowing about it. I mean, he half runs the yard. What about the army? He was an

officer.

That should be easier, if we had an official reason. You'll think of

In that case, I'd better mosey off and see what I can do.

Ironside. Yes, Lieutenant. Any luck?

Well, Vienna police have nothing on those prints.

No Austrian Central.

No arrests under any name. What about his army record?

Yeah, I figured you'd ask that.

Exemplary officer.

Promotions, accommodations, uh, right up to the accident.

What accident?

Well, he got smashed up pretty bad in an automobile.

And for a while there, they thought they'd lost it, but he pulled through

somehow. I want another set of prints.

Oh, no way.

You know, I had a tough enough time getting these.

Thank you for your trouble, Lieutenant.

Dead end?

Yeah, dead end.

But there's an old saying.

When you can't make it through the line... Go around end.

Chinese, Japanese, or Notre Dame.

SFPD.

Overseas operator, please.

Chief Ironside's office.

Hello, Chief.

How are you?

I'm fine. Ed's fine. The weather's fine.

We're having a good time. You got a pencil? As soon as I heard the tone of

voice. I want you to pull a set of fingerprints for me. The name is Colin

Superintendent Faber? That's right.

He was delegated to a NATO security meeting about ten years ago. It would

been printed then.

All right.

I want them sent by wire as soon as you get them. I'll wait at the American

Embassy. Yes, sir.

Chief, how is everything?

I've already covered that ground, Mark. This call is not on the expense account.

Well, it sure is good to hear that you're doing fine.

Talk to you soon. Goodbye.

Hey.

Thanks for letting me say hello.

where it came from. Too many windows across the way. Since when do terrorists

care about witnesses?

We're set up at this end, Fran.

Ready here, Chief.

All right.

Start it rolling.

Thank you, Fran.

Can't you tell us what this is about, Chief?

Not now. Be talking to you.

Not even close.

If he's not Colin Faber, who is?

We agreed there would be no further attempt on Sergeant Brown. I know, I

but agreements must be changed as conditions change.

What has changed?

It was reasonable when Chief Ironside and Sergeant Brown were going home, but

since they have postponed their departure... Here, have some tea. What

mean, postponed their departure?

Believe me, we have been watching them as closely as they have been watching

They have cancelled their flight.

Here, have a cup.

It's good. I don't want your blasted tea. I want to know what's going on.

Sergeant Brown must be silenced.

The last witness to David's murder will be gone.

Chief Ironside will...

Thunder, but in the end, he will take his unfortunate colleague and go home,

we will all go on in peace.

No, I can't go along with this. Of course you can. No!

All right.

Then expose us.

All of us.

Oh, come, come, Faber.

You have a simple choice to make. An American police sergeant you barely

or ruining your future, your life.

Which will it be?

in this time, I hope. Bob, what are you doing here?

Inspector McArdle was kind enough to let me wait here for you.

This is a surprising visit. I thought you and Sergeant Brown were going back

the States.

It's been a surprising visit altogether.

A murder.

Ed's life threatened.

Realization that a close friend I've known for over 20 years is really a

stranger.

I could almost believe you're referring to me.

I'm referring to Colin Faber.

You're talking in riddles. Try this one.

When is a Colin Faber?

He dies and will be in a hospital as one man and returns to England as another.

Unrecognized by anyone?

Plastic surgery for supposed facial injuries. Hometown wiped out in the

Parents killed.

Vital statistics destroyed.

All very convenient.

Most important, his fingerprints don't match.

thorough you can be.

Another riddle.

Why?

But I'm sure you have an interesting answer.

Let's call it a theory.

Sleeper agent planted in a country with orders to bury himself, live a normal

life, get a job as a civil servant, become trusted, respected,

and wait years if necessary.

Until he could be used.

You're going to say that as Chief Superintendent of Scotland Yard I'd be

invaluable, but that Superintendent Davis was in the way, well, I had

do with that.

You've got to believe that, Pop.

I've got to believe that.

I didn't know anything about their plans until I started pressing Muller.

Then the phone call that night.

Good evening, comrade Tartanovich.

A voice I thought I'd never hear.

A name I was sure had been forgotten.

Forgotten?

England is really a dismal country.

Cold, damp, dirty cities, crowded streets.

And I wouldn't trade her for any other country in the world.

Do you hear me, Bob?

I've grown to love her. Have you? She seduced me.

Good neighbors, close friendships, marriage, family.

Tatanovich died, slowly but surely.

And Colin Faber. lived a contented life as a decent,

honorable man. Without any shadows?

Oh, yes.

Thoughts in the middle of the night, fear at any unexpected phone call.

But even they faded.

It had been so many years, I thought that I'd been overlooked or written off.

That's what I wanted to believe anyway,

They didn't know me anymore.

Or trust me.

And they would have had good reason.

What are you going to do, Bob? Depends on what you do.

If I turn myself in, Colin Faber will die.

Ellen and my family will be disgraced.

Can you live with the memory of Lon Davis?

The future filled with fear, lies,

new shadows.

I'm afraid it's going to be another long night.

Good morning, Colin.

Not a surprising visit.

No.

I've just seen the chief superintendent.

He's a very fair man.

Who's fair?

He asked for my resignation, of course.

Could have been worse.

Because of my record.

He's even willing to keep my involvement a secret.

But we can't charge Muller without an official statement from me, which would

become public in court.

Maybe another way.

Remember the Graf Zeppelin stamps he bought from Brandon?

He took a big chance showing them to us. What chance?

Well, he'd already doctored them. They're different from these.

How? His had a small dot right on the nose of the dirigible.

Hardly noticeable, but there.

A floor. A micro -dot.

Easy enough to send out of the country with the ordinary stamp trade.

That's his interest in photography.

Reduce the information.

Now, if we could get our hands on those stamps or any of the others.

He keeps everything valuable in a safe with a special switch out in the front

the shop.

It controls a corrosive gas.

Any hint of trouble?

He could trigger the gas, and all we'd find would be ashes.

Well, then, we'll just have to keep him from the trigger, won't we?

The Graf Zeppelin theories are sold. I cannot show them to you.

Now, you said...

That you'd find another set for me.

I haven't had time. Congratulations, Mr. Muller. Stamp dealers don't usually do

such a rushing business.

Just what is it that you want of me?

Surely it is not just the stamps.

On the contrary, it is the stamps. They're very rare.

Hard to find, perhaps, but not rare.

With that extra imprint on the nose of the airship, certain interested parties,

they would be invaluable.

There's nothing I can do for you. The stamps have already been shipped.

I'm sure you have other stamps fixed the same way, with that little dot.

You are a policeman, are you not?

Yes. Then why are you not here with the constables and the warrants?

I have no authority here. What is it that you really want?

You're too late.

Is your warrant close?

To enter, to open your safe, to seize evidence, and to arrest you.

It's not very smart of you, Superintendent Faber.

The Yard knows all about me.

So, a conspiracy of silence.

There are other ears, newspapers,

officials. You won't be talking to anyone for a while. You cannot keep me

incommunicado forever.

But we can keep you.

That was easier than I thought.

We're not finished yet.

Let's go.

The shop is closed.

Mura gone.

What happened?

My hand was forced.

Ironside saw the micro dot. I had no alternative but to make the arrest.

You can do something about the evidence?

Even if I arranged to have it destroyed or lost?

Ironside will still testify.

Then he must be removed.

Yes.

I'll arrange to have both Ironside and his sergeant to my home for dinner

tonight.

Can you take care of it?

What did you tell Alan?

I sent her on some silly errand. I know she saw through it.

Still time to bring your men in closer. No.

Hart is experienced.

He'll check the surroundings carefully.

We'll go as planned.

Colin, you have really considered all the risks?

Death, exposure, to me there's little difference.

You and Sergeant Brown aren't exactly invulnerable either.

He's in a panic.

Gentlemen, I'd like to propose a toast to the speedy conviction of Herr Muller

and the breakup of his spy ring.

You hear?

Amen.

Drink deeply, gentlemen.

Enjoy it while you can. What took you so long?

The house is surrounded.

Traitor!

Take care of everything.

Morning, Mr. Muller. Come in.

I was expecting to meet with Superintendent Favor. Superintendent is

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm sure.

Chief Ironside wanted me to talk to you.

Chief Ironside?

He is well, I trust?

Very well.

Good, good.

But what is there to discuss with me?

I really should speak with my solicitor. Tell him what you think you know about

Colin Faber. What indeed I do know.

Sergeant, if I am to be prosecuted, the Faber story will be revealed. He's dead.

How can you hurt him anymore?

I am being hurt now, not too badly.

You know, the way I hear it, I think the British government will consider

allowing you to leave the country, maybe even tonight.

We'll consider.

Of course, if you wait around to talk to your solicitor, then Scotland Yard will

have a chance to get all the facts, and then they'll have to charge you with

conspiracy and the death of Superintendents Davis and Faber. But I

to do with it, Molly.

Do you really think Hartz is going to take the rap all by himself?

You know, this has been a most interesting chat, Sergeant.

But... You can tell Chief Ironside. He will get no information about

Superintendent Faber out of me, no matter how hard he presses.

That's funny.

That's what he figured.

The service will be brief.

Thank you.

to you in a few minutes.

I've never spent a worse half hour. You could have blown everything coming here.

I had to see her, to talk to her once more.

Bob, am I being so very cruel?

It was your decision to leave her. What else could I do?

They're always suspicious they'll be watching her.

The merest hint, the barest slip, and her life will be in danger.

They'd do anything to get back at me. I'm sure she understands.

You'll see her soon.

To Itamovich, to Faber, to... what?

To being a sheep rancher in Australia.

Ed has your profile and your papers.

Ed, as soon as we leave, right to the airport.

Yes, sir.

All right, out that way.

Ironic, isn't it?

A funeral with honors.

For an honorable man.